Hempstead ISD students achieved significant academic gains across subject areas on this year’s State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). Academic gains outperformed districts in Region IV and the state of Texas, representing some of the highest scores students have achieved in over a decade.
“This kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident,” Superintendent Herbert O’Neil explained. “These results reflect the impact of our Strategic Plan and the hard work of our teachers, leaders, and students. Increases in most areas far exceeded statewide gains, with our students achieving double-digit growth in multiple grade levels and content areas.”
Over the last three years, Hempstead ISD has been laser focused on improving instruction and student outcomes. The district has implemented strategic initiatives to strengthen the quality of teaching, including curriculum alignment, data driven instruction, High Quality Instructional Materials and targeted professional development for teaching staff. District and campus leaders have worked side by side with teachers to provide real time support and feedback in the classroom.
Additionally, intervention systems have been refined to identify and meet the individual learning needs of students more effectively. This focused work is paying off. Student achievement is rising, and progress is evident across all campuses. From rigorous classroom instruction to increased support for struggling learners, Hempstead ISD is committed to creating a culture of high expectations and continuous growth.
*STAAR Growth Comparison Chart: Hempstead ISD vs. Region IV and Statewide
Hempstead Middle School led the way in both performance and growth, showing that the middle school is not only improving, it's leading the charge. These gains, along with the notable progress at Hempstead High School and the historic increases at Hempstead Elementary School, reflect the momentum building across our entire district.
Here are some Highlights of the Preliminary Results!
CCMR surged with a 44-point increase
+35-point gain in 8th Grade Social Studies
+17-point increase in 3rd Grade Math
+31-point increase in 5th Grade Math cohort at approaches
+14-point increase in 5th Grade Math cohort at meets
+18-point growth in 8th Grade Science
+10-point growth in 8th Grade Math
+14-point surge in Algebra I
+8-points in 6th Grade Reading
+14-points in 7th Grade Reading
+19-points in 8th Grade Reading
* All data is at the meets grade level unless otherwise noted.
“Our students, teachers, and leaders have proven what is possible when high expectations, strategic supports, and a belief in our students come together,” Superintendent O’Neil said.
While Hempstead ISD celebrates the impressive academic gains, the district is committed to continuous improvement. Next steps include deepening the use of data to inform instruction, expanding intervention, and strengthening support for both students and staff. District leaders will continue investing in high-quality professional development and instructional coaching to ensure every classroom is equipped for success.
The work is far from over, but the progress proves that Hempstead ISD is on the right path and climbing to Higher Heights. Later this summer, district leaders will spend time digging through the data and refining instructional priorities for the 2025–2026 school year.
Final accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) are expected to be released later this fall.